Everywhere you look, gamers are eagerly sharing their lists of the greatest titles of 2025. But what about the stinkers, the low achievers? Let's take a momentary detour to recognize the lowest-rated games of the year, according to review aggregator Metacritic. Could each of these games as bad as their scores suggest? Here is the list.
10. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour
Metascore: 54/100, Audience Score: 3.4/10
Initial reactions to this pack-in experience were heavily influenced by its $9.99 price tag, with many feeling cheesed off it wasn't a bundled game like competing console launches. Reviewer sentiment was quite mixed, from scathing critiques to somewhat forgiving appraisals that highlighted the charming software itself. Regardless of the grumbling, the title proved to be a notable seller during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Billed as "beyond a racing game," this vroom-vroom title from European developers received largely negative reviews. The consensus was that the game felt unfinished in key areas, especially in a year packed with stellar racing games. In the eyes of critics, this sputtering stinker was better off left on the shelf.
8. Bubsy in: The Purrfect Collection
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
To begin with: the awkward colon usage is a silly point of contention. This anthology of retro Bubsy titles showcases a sarcastic feline known for incessant quips. Reviewers noted that these games were not good in their time and haven't gotten better with age. The improbably high user score remains a curious oddity to the critical reception.
7. Nen x Impact
Aggregate Score: 53, Audience Score: 3.5
This anime-inspired fighter was met with harsh criticism from both professionals and the dedicated community. Issues included a limited fighter lineup and a minimal offering of content. User reviews was particularly negative, with some expressing a desire that the title's flop would be a warning for the developers.
6. Neptunia Riders Vs Dogoos
Metascore: 51, Audience Score: 5.3
Based on the anime-style Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this bike-riding title tasks players with gathering Dogoos. Reviewers felt that its goal to channel a unique experience ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a worthy Neptunia game. Its short length combined with a full retail cost raised eyebrows.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a piece of lost media from the past, launched after a very long time in production delays. The developers opted to release the game as an original artifact of its time, accepting that contemporary players might dislike its old-school mechanics. As such, many reviews noted that the fascinating story of its resurrection was more compelling than the end product.
4. Salvation
Metascore: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-styled roguelike shooter drawing from games like *Returnal* disappointed with critics. Common complaints were uninspired foes, monotonous stage design, and a unengaging plot. A much-criticized system involving the protagonist's clothing was widely panned and detracted from the game's overall experience.
3. Ambulance Life
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 4.9
Recall the strategic surgery games of the past, then strip away the satisfying gameplay. That, according to reviews, is pretty much *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the ambulance-driving sequences to be a slog, and the treatment of serious themes was criticized as being tone-deaf. The overall experience was deemed largely unsatisfying.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Metascore: 43, User Score: 5.8
This new direction for the classic virtual pet formula makes the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, based on critics, was a dull collection of basic activities that very soon overstayed its welcome. Some reviews went so far as to declare it one of the most disappointing titles available on its platform, citing a dearth of satisfying gameplay.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, User Score: 2.5
Arriving as a high-profile open-world action game from a ex-Rockstar veteran's well-known figures, *MindsEye* was a spectacular disappointment. Reviews heavily criticized its poor shooting mechanics, uninspired storytelling, and a plethora of horrendous bugs. Critics found it to be a regression compared to much older games in the similar style. Amidst the overwhelming criticism, a few of optimistic players found something to enjoy in the experience, providing a distinct counterpoint.
